BATON ROUGE, LA.- The Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) announces the renaming of its Main 1 Gallery to “The Republic Finance Gallery” in recognition of Republic Finance’s recent $100,000 commitment toward LASM’s primary gallery space for changing art and science exhibitions. Republic Finance executives and management team members attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the company’s sponsorship of the gallery on April 5, 2023.

Republic Finance’s contribution will directly fund significant capital improvements to the gallery, increasing its quality, community impact, and ability to provide enriching and accessible cultural experiences for the education and enjoyment of Baton Rouge locals and tourists alike. One of the first spaces that museum patrons will encounter when they enter the museum, The Republic Finance Gallery will feature exhibitions of works by local, national, and international artists and scientists.

“We are extremely grateful for Republic Finance’s transformational gift and belief in LASM’s mission to encourage discovery, inspire creativity, and foster the pursuit of knowledge,” states LASM President & Executive Director Serena Pandos. “Republic Finance’s funding will enable us to not only sustainably and beautifully display the educational exhibitions that the LASM has become known for during its over sixty-year history but also attract even more renowned artists and scientists to display their work here for generations to come.”

For over twenty years, Republic Finance has been a supporter of LASM through Gala sponsorships and other contributions. With its corporate headquarters in Baton Rouge and branch offices in thirteen states, Republic Finance has provided a variety of consumer loans and flexible lending options to customers for over seventy years.

“I think the world of LASM,” states Gary Phillips, former Chairman of the Board and CEO at Republic Finance, who has been involved with LASM since 1996 and currently serves on the museum’s Advisory Council. “Museums serve not only as a source of information but also as a place of interactivity and discovery. LASM is the best combination of art and science education, and I am so proud of the hard work both the LASM staff and Republic Finance team have done to make this partnership possible.”

Displaying the exhibition Diamonds of History: Mighty Women by Ashley Longshore through July 2, 2023, The Republic Finance Gallery is open to the public Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 AM–3 PM; Saturdays from 10 AM–5 PM; and Sundays from 1 PM–5 PM, with free admission to the museum and unlimited Irene W. Pennington Planetarium shows offered every first Sunday of the month. Renovations are not expected to significantly impact The Republic Finance Gallery’s operating hours at this time.

“We sincerely thank Gary Phillips and the entire team at Republic Finance for making upgrades to this gallery possible,” continues Pandos. “Gary’s many years of leadership, advocacy, and dedication to LASM’s mission are tremendously appreciated. We are eager to welcome our patrons to the new and improved Republic Finance Gallery and grow our community of lifelong explorers inspired by art and science when renovations are completed!”